Supporting Repeat Students in Benin: A Path to Success

The 2024-2025 academic year has begun in Benin, but for students who experienced failure last year, the start of the school year can be daunting. What specific support do these students need to overcome their challenges?

Repeating a year can be traumatic for students, making it difficult for them to return to school. It’s essential to recognize that failure is a natural part of life, and these students require special attention to cope with their situation.

Breaking the Cycle of Failure

Parents and teachers should avoid reminding students of their previous failure, as this can exacerbate the situation. According to Ulrich Vihouegni, an educational psychologist, “The pressure from parents, combined with the child’s shame, can lead to a downward spiral that hinders growth throughout the school year.” Instead, psychological support is necessary to help students identify the cause of their failure and make a fresh start.

At the beginning of the school year, parents are often preoccupied with purchasing school supplies and paying fees, leaving little time to consider the emotional well-being of their children. However, it’s crucial for parents to refrain from stigmatizing their children with insults or reminders of their failure.

The Vital Role of Parents in Supporting Repeat Students

Clinical psychologist Jeannot Odjo emphasizes the importance of parents in reassuring their children that failure is an opportunity for growth and improvement. “Parents should work with teachers to help these students overcome their challenges,” he advises. “Teachers who work with repeat students should employ strategies to reassure them and help them overcome their difficulties.”

Failure can be a transformative experience for students, prompting them to strive for excellence. To achieve this, psychological support is essential throughout the holidays and at the beginning of the school year.